The priest of the UOC MP was mobilized in the Rivne region: what was the reason.

According to ТСН: A 28-year-old priest and rector of the UOC MP temple Andriy Panasyuk was mobilized in the Rivne region. Information about the detention of the priest became known from messages of believers who spoke about the alleged 'hunting' for clergymen. However, the regional TCC and SP clarified that Panasyuk was wanted due to not appearing for the summons.

Details of Panasyuk's detention were revealed by the community on Facebook 'Believers (UOC)', noting that he was stopped at a bus stop in the village of Zdovbytsia, after which communication with him was lost. Roman Halibin, the head of the fourth department of the Rivne district TCC and SP, emphasized in a comment that since April 2025, Panasyuk had the status of a violator of military registration due to not appearing for the summons. This is why the 'Oberih' system recorded his violation and reported it to the National Police.

Mobilization and passing the commission

After his detention, Panasyuk was sent to undergo a military medical commission, which determined him fit for service. Later, the priest was mobilized and sent to military unit A4152, located in the village of Mala Liubasha in the Rivne region.

Rules of the training center

The TCC added that Panasyuk's lack of access to a phone is due to the rules of the Armed Forces training center: mobile phones are confiscated to prevent data leaks that could be used by the enemy to adjust strikes.

Let us remind you that in June, Ukraine approved a list of religious organizations that can shield clergymen from mobilization. Only institutions recognized as critically important were included in this list. Vyacheslav Horshkov, head of the Department of Religious Affairs of the SES, noted that many UOC MP organizations did not make it to this list due to their statutes losing validity due to the need to change the official name.

This situation highlights the challenges faced by religious organizations in Ukraine amid the war. Mobilization and new rules regarding clergymen lead to uncertainty for many, and the situation around Panasyuk is a testament to that. It is important for mobilization issues to be regulated considering the interests of both the state and religious communities.